nature art

CRAFTS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Crafting Nature Critters with Kids
- May 31, 2023
With screens occupying a significant portion of our lives, it’s crucial to carve out time to engage in activities that foster an appreciation for the natural world. One delightful and engaging way to achieve this is through creating nature critters with children. Nature crafts provide a perfect opportunity for young minds to explore their creativity while fostering a deep connection with the environment. By gathering materials from the great outdoors, children can transform ordinary objects into whimsical creatures, igniting their imagination and developing a sense of wonder.

Today, Tennessee mom and photographer Somer Pickel dives into the magical world of nature crafts, specifically focusing on creating nature critters with children. She explores the various materials that can be gathered from nature and transformed into unique creatures, as well as the benefits that come from engaging in these crafts together. As parents, we play an essential role in encouraging and participating in these activities, as they offer numerous benefits that extend far beyond the finished product.

On being “not crafty”

Is it alright to start a “crafting nature critters with kids” blog post, saying that I really truly don’t like crafting with kids?

I know, I know…as moms, we’re supposed to love doing all things crafty with our children. And let me tell you, I’ve tried. But at some point, it’s better to just accept the obvious truth. And in this scenario, it’s that I am not a crafty mama.

I can’t stand bits of paper all over the place. Finding stickers stuck to anything other than paper annoys me to no end. Don’t even get me started on glitter, slime, or Play-Doh. No.

But believe it or not, I’ve finally found a craft I can get behind – nature critters. Making nature critters together has just the right amount of crafting, creativity and outdoor time for both me and my kid. I get to have her outside exploring a nature-filled environment, including looking for small, minute details. She gets to use a hot glue gun. So basically, it’s a win-win.

Getting beyond the mess when crafting with kids

I know I’ve already voiced my displeasure about crafting with kids. And yeah, a lot of my displeasure is due to the concerted effort that’s needed in the setup and the patience involved during the actual craft. But, it’s also partially because crafting always seems to be so expensive. Then to add insult to injury, there’s the aftermath. After your kiddo loses interest, you’re stuck cleaning up Elmer’s glue from your kitchen table or picking Play-Doh out of your dog’s hair. Then you have to find someplace to put all kinds of crafting leftovers and supplies.

And don’t get me wrong, I know that crafting is some folks’ cup of tea. There are people who love it so much they have entire rooms in their homes dedicated to the wonders of all things crafting! As I am sure you all can guess by now, that’s just not me. But also, I highly doubt they live with the constant tornadic activity that is a pre-schooler. My kid could thoroughly destroy even the most organized of craft rooms in under 5 minutes.

Benefits of crafting with kids

However, there are some really great benefits of crafting with kids that I really appreciate, and go far beyond the finished piece of artwork and mess left behind. Crafting stimulates and enhances children’s creativity, allowing them to explore their imaginations and express themselves freely. It encourages problem-solving skills as they navigate through different materials and find innovative ways to bring their ideas to life. And doing craft projects with kids also promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, as children manipulate and handle various tools and materials.

Moreover, crafting provides an opportunity for children (and their parents!) to develop patience, perseverance, and the ability to follow instructions, as they learn to complete tasks step-by-step. Doing crafts together and making art fosters self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment as children witness their creations taking shape, boosting their confidence and pride in their abilities.

If you’re a fellow hater of all things glitter, nature critter crafting may be just up your alley!

Tips for moms that hate crafting

For moms who find crafting with kids challenging (or frustrating, or just plain awful), there are several tips and strategies that can help make the experience more enjoyable, less messy, and less frustrating. Here are some suggestions to consider:
1. Simplify the projects – Start with simple and age-appropriate craft projects that require minimal supplies and have straightforward instructions. This will help reduce the complexity and frustration for both you and your child.
2. Choose low-mess materials – Opt for crafts that involve materials that are easy to clean up, such as washable markers, colored pencils, or pre-cut stickers. Avoid projects that involve excessive glue, glitter, or paint unless you’re prepared for a potential mess.
3. Incorporate what you like – Maybe you hate paint, but you don’t mind markers. If stickers seem wasteful, maybe consider stamps. Maybe you’re like me and don’t mind crafts that incorporate natural elements and cute creatures. Figure out (and embrace) what you like about crafting (or at least don’t hate or can tolerate) and use those materials. Cut out anything that’s too stressful, messy, or overwhelming.
4. Set up a dedicated crafting space – Designate a specific area in your home (or outside it) for crafting activities. Cover the surface with an old tablecloth or use a plastic tablecloth that can be easily wiped clean. Having a dedicated space will make it easier to contain the mess and keep things organized.
5. Embrace imperfection – Remember that the process of crafting with kids is more important than the final product. Embrace imperfections and allow your child’s creativity to shine, even if things don’t turn out as expected. Let go of the need for perfection and focus on enjoying the experience together.
6. Incorporate storytelling or music – Make the crafting experience more engaging by incorporating storytelling or playing background music. This can create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, making the process more enjoyable for both you and your child.
7. Take breaks and keep it short – Recognize when you or your child might be getting tired or frustrated and take breaks as needed. Keeping craft sessions short and focused can help maintain enthusiasm and prevent burnout.
8. Don’t be too hard on yourself – Remember that not all moms are naturally inclined towards crafting, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s more important to focus on spending quality time with your child and finding activities that bring joy to both of you. Embrace your strengths as a mom and explore other ways to bond and connect with your child that align with your interests and passions.
Crafting nature critters

Embracing what I like about crafts (natural elements, cute creatures, and spending time outside with my daughter) led us to try making nature critters. Basically, nature critters are essentially anything your kid wants them to be – they’re not necessarily real animals, but maybe based on a real animal with some creative elements incorporated.

While I personally like to make them look more like animals, they don’t always end up looking like the one I envisioned when I started. For instance, when I tried to make a porcupine, I ended up making what looked like a turkey. My bird turned into a fish. And so on. Oh well.

My kid, on the other hand, is very imaginative and typically steers toward open-ended toys. So, I guess it’s no real surprise that she seems to like the more abstract-looking critters (cat-monkey!). When it comes down to it, the jest is they’re “critters” made out of any found natural materials and hot glue.

When crafting nature critters, they really can be whatever you want them to be. Or if you’re anything like me, whatever they turn out looking like when you’re trying to make something else. 🙃

How to prepare for crafting nature critters with your kid(s)
- Have a glue gun with a few sticks of glue.
- Find a mesh baggie to hold the materials you find. Why mesh? We learned the hard way with this little detail. We brought home a few bug “friends” the first time we made nature critters. If this isn’t an issue for you, by all means, use whatever sort of bag you want.
- Set aside an hour or so to spend outside looking for critter-making materials. Your natural materials can be any of the following items (or whatever you can find in your area): leaves, pinecones, flowers, shells, berries, sticks, moss, grass, bark, acorns, twigs, pebbles, etc. (see below for more ideas)
- Have an outdoor space with an outlet where you can plug in your hot glue gun. Why outdoor? Well, it’s just another precaution, given the likelihood of tag-along bug friends.
- Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or whatever your preferred means of caffeination and ready yourself to provide excessive patience.
When your child is out looking for materials to craft with, they slow down. They take more in and they find purpose in the search.

Safety note

Some hot glue guns probably get hot enough to cause actual burns. Ours is a fairly cheap one that doesn’t get very hot. Even so, my four-year-old was supervised the entire time she used the tool. I also noticed that since she perceived it to be “dangerous,” she took more care with it than I believe she otherwise would have. She was much slower, more deliberate, and controlled with the hot glue gun than she ever is with her typical school glue. This could be purely coincidental, but I don’t think it is. I feel like it tracks with the idea that kids’ capacity to learn increases when a bit of risk is involved. But back to the nature critters…

Typically when children perceive a task as risky, they slow down and focus on what they are doing. In turn, they tap into deeper learning and understanding.

Why natural materials for crafting nature critters

Could you use more than just natural elements when making nature critters? Of course! If you want to break out the googly eyes, pom poms, pipe cleaners, and crafting supplies, go for it! However, we prefer to only use what we find in the yard or on a trail. I feel like this gives the critters a bit more personality and makes the whole activity more challenging and creative.

Plus, it really forces me and my child to slow down and pay closer attention to our environment than we otherwise would. On our most recent critter supply run, my kiddo found two good-sized Appalachian forest snails. They were so camouflaged that I had stepped right past them. My kiddo was so thrilled to have found what my eyes had missed, that she spent the rest of the hike talking about her superhero vision.

I love watching my child slow down and really take in the world around her. This craft has been a fun way for us both to engage more deeply with the natural world and each other.

What materials to collect for crafting nature critters

Honestly, these are your critters, so collect whatever suits your fancy!

Everywhere you go will have different things available. We live in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, so we have an abundance of deciduous and coniferous trees growing in our area. This gives us access to lots of pinecones, needles, pebbles, moss, bark, etc.

But, last week, we were in southwestern Florida. While there, we found loads of shells, fish bones, sand, driftwood, and other treasures on the beaches every morning. I am sure desert environments would have their own brand of wonderful nature treasure finds that would lend to excellent critters too. Just use whatever you find around.

Personally, I’ve found coniferous cones, large and small, make great bases for critter heads and bodies. Acorns are fantastic for heads and hats. Sticks and twigs make great limbs. Other things we have used include leaves, bark, moss, seeds and seed pods, flowers, rocks, and grass.

But really, just collect whatever catches your eye. The good thing is, you can just toss whatever you don’t use into the bushes or compost pile after craft time is over. Or at least that’s what we do.

Nature critters can be made into all sorts of concrete or abstract creations with a bit of creativity and luck! (This is supposed to be a deer of some sort.)

Sometimes the critters may just turn out well enough and sturdy enough to be toys! Other times they fall apart if you even try to move them. Either is fine, because, in the end, it was all about the process.

Nature art inspiration

So I’m not deluded enough to believe our crafting to ever grow into something truly outstanding. We are in it for the experience and the fun of creating. However, there are folks out there creating truly inspiring art out of totally found natural materials. One of them is David Bird. He started his career as a Lego toy designer, and that later moved into creating adorable little critters he lovingly refers to as Becorns. Do yourself a favor and check out his work. And, I also love the nature art created by Sisten Golden (@sistergoldenshop) on Instagram. Both artists create such a beautiful blend of photography, naturalism, and art! They demonstrate what is possible with time, creativity, and a passion for the world around us.

Side note: my kid finds value in expressing her independence— including dressing herself. I find value in my own sanity more than her wearing socially appropriate outfits.

Embrace the mess

While the mess and challenges of crafting with kids may seem daunting, it’s essential to embrace the chaos and immerse ourselves in the joy and wonder of creating with our children. Making nature critters together not only allows us to tap into their boundless creativity but also offers a unique opportunity to bond with our children, both inside and outside. By engaging in these activities, we can foster a deep connection with nature, instill a sense of environmental consciousness, and nurture our children’s development holistically.

So, let’s embrace the mess, seize the chance to explore the great outdoors, and create cherished memories as we embark on this creative journey with our little ones. After all, the mess will fade away, but the moments shared, and the love nurtured will endure forever.

More nature crafts (that you may not hate)

Never fear, non-crafty mamas; we have a few nature-inspired crafts and activities that you may not hate! All of these involve spending time outside (in nature) with your kids and can be done with less mess than regular crafting.
Do you enjoy crafting with kids?
What sort of nature critters will you make?

About the author

Somer is a mama living in southern Appalachia. Somer’s motherhood journey began when her oldest daughter (Avelyn) was born with severe congenital heart disease. Avelyn spent the majority of her 18 months of life in a pediatric ICU. Though she lived her life chronically critically ill, Avie was an incredibly loving and joyous child. After her death, Somer and her husband sought solace backpacking a section of the Appalachian Trail. Before long, they discovered their ability to cope seemed to correspond with time spent outdoors.

When it came time to add another kiddo to the mix, bringing the baby along was never a question. In an effort to celebrate the freedom provided by healthy bodies, Somer has hiked her second-born 2k+ miles. Even so, she doesn’t believe grand adventures are necessary to reap nature’s wonder. They just as often revel in mundane evenings in their backyard. The family believes it’s prioritizing time spent outdoors that’s important.

Professionally, Somer has spent the last decade caring for veterans in an acute psychiatric unit as a clinical nurse educator. Over the years, she’s become a passionate advocate for the intersectional relationships of mental health, wellness, and the natural world. She truly believes there’s healing and strength to be found outdoors for those who seek it.

You can find Somer online in the following locations:
Instagram: @somerpickel
RWMC posts: Somer Pickel
Podcast episode: Overcoming Grief Outdoors
CRAFTS, NATURE SCHOOL, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, URBAN NATURE
Plein Air Painting With Kids
- May 2, 2022
As the weather warms up, we start looking for any excuse to take our everyday activities outside. We love having dinner outside, reading outside, and playing games outdoors. Taking art and crafts outside is another fun way to maximize your outdoor hours while doing something fun and productive. Today, Michelle Garret, California mom and founder of Wonder Club Explorers, is here sharing all about plein air painting – the act of painting outdoors! Whether you have a budding artist, a kid that loves nature, or just want a way to let your kids be artistic with less mess and clean up, plein air painting is for you!

Slow down with plein air painting

As busy parents, we often find ourselves on the go, moving from one activity to the next, and collapsing into bed by the end of the day. Taking some time to slow things down and get outside is imperative for our kids (and for us). We know the benefits and importance of spending time in nature. While outdoors is the perfect place to be active and “run wild,” it’s also nice to have some downtime in nature to be thoughtful, observant, and creative!

Plein air painting with kids is an amazing activity that combines the benefits of nature and art. It is a fun and relaxing way to spend a sunny afternoon with your children, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday activities. It lets them be still in nature, but also gives them something to do that engages their mind and stimulates their senses. Painting is one of my child’s favorite things to do outside, and I’m excited to share this activity with you today. Here’s all you need to know about the art of painting in the outdoors with kids.

Note: “plein” is pronounced like plain or plane

What is plein air painting?

Painting en Plein air is a French term that means painting in open air and describes the act of painting outdoors. The plein air style of painting is outdoor art, in and around nature. It is a direct contrast to painting in a studio with fixed lights or objects. It’s not necessarily a style of art or with any particular medium, but a method of creating based on your location (outdoors) and subject (nature/landscape).

Plein air painting is usually art that captures the nature around them. Whether that’s the full landscape you see before you, or maybe just a tree, flower, or garden in your yard. It’s creating art from nature right in front of your eyes, not from a photograph or memory. When an artist paints in nature, they can better observe landscapes and their changing conditions, be that weather or light.

Plein air painting is a sensory experience

We often hear of the importance of giving your children full-body sensory experiences. Plein air painting is definitely a sensory experience, which creates a 3-dimensional experience and helps your children create powerful memories. When you paint outdoors, the sounds, smells, and sights of your surroundings add inspiration to your creative pursuits. You can feel the breeze, hear the rustling leaves, and smell the freshly-cut grass.

Famous plein air artists

Painting outdoors is not a new activity, by any means. Here’s a little ditty for all of you kids who’ve ever taken an Art History 101 class. The artists who revolutionized this painting style in the late 1800s were known as Impressionists. The most renowned impressionists included Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Those are some serious heavy hitters of the art world! Plein air painting with kids will put your child in very good company!

Where to paint outdoors

The great thing about painting outside is that it can be done anywhere! The world is your canvas (literally). Interested in painting seascapes? Head to the beach! Interested in painting saguaros and sagebrush? Head to the desert! Interested in painting flowers and butterflies? Your backyard, local park, or nearby botanical garden may all be perfect locations!

The great thing about nature is that you have a lot of options for the subject matter. Outdoor painting sessions need not be as divergent as desert or ocean, but could simply be the backyard or neighborhood park. There’s no limit to where you can paint, you just have to decide where to start and give it a try!

What do you need for Plein air painting with kids?

We like to think of plein air painting as a picnic with a side of art supplies. For an outdoor painting session, you’ll want to pack art supplies such as watercolors, acrylics, or colored pencils. As for your canvas, the thicker the paper, the better. Can you use a sketchbook, thick cardstock, a canvas, or even a large piece of cardboard (this is a great way to get some use out of all those boxes). You’ll also want some paper towels and a cup of water so you can clean your brushes in between colors. These are the basic items one needs for a Plein air painting adventure.

Serious hobbyists and professionals will sometimes carry with them a portable easel stand. Easels are not necessary, but they can be helpful when your kids want to be at eye level with their subject matter. You don’t need to rush out to your arts and crafts store to make an easel. Portable easels can be easily made out of everyday materials like this cardboard art easel or a rustic one made out of sticks and twine.

Whichever landscape is your destination, dress appropriately for your location and the weather. Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection, plus refreshments so you don’t have to interrupt your creative inspiration when thirst and hunger strike.

Plein air painting out and about

Plein air painting doesn’t require a lot of planning or preparation. For the most part, you can find objects and landscapes right outside your house that are perfect for painting. However, if you want to take the show on the road, we suggest picking a location in a park or near a river where there are a lot of trees, birds, and shade. This will not only give your child plenty of inspiration to paint but also make them feel like it’s more of a special occasion.

If you’re away from home, bring a few gallons of water with you for cleaning brushes, and be sure to use non-toxic paints that won’t hurt nature around you. Bring a trash bag with you to remove any trash you may create (or see/find in the area) to leave your location better than you found it.

Artistic elements of plein air painting

You don’t have to worry too much about artistic elements with plein air painting with kids. However, if you have a child that’s into art or serious about their creation, there are a few things about art and observation that you can teach them to help them create their masterpieces. Here are few ways to help your child observe the area around them, decide what to paint, and how to capture it.

The power of observation

Once you arrive at your destination, spend some time with your kids discussing and making observations about the landscape they’re going to paint. Younger kids might rev up their observation skills with a game of “I spy.” Older kids might jump right in with interesting observations about unusual things they see. The goal of spending time focusing on observation of their surroundings is that it helps them to hone in on what to paint.

Kids might become fascinated by the shape of the clouds in the sky, the shape of a tree, or the colors of the plants in a garden. By talking through all of the options in advance, kids strengthen their powers of observation and get better with decision-making skills at the same time.

Composition and rule of thirds

As you talk to your kids about what they see and what they may eventually paint, you’ll also want to help them understand composition. As you’re gazing out at your subject matter, talk to your kids about artistic considerations such as foreground, middle ground, and background. Talk about the elements in the landscape and how close they are to you (and to each other) – this will help them realize that things farther away look smaller than items nearby.

Have them look at the horizon and where the landscape meets the sky.If you’re painting a beach landscape, talk about the horizon line where the water meets the sky. What do you see above the horizon? What does the water look like at the horizon (and is different than what it looks like up close)? Are there waves? Are people frolicking on the beach in front of you or out in the water? And as you guide their eyes to the sand, are there beach umbrellas or sand toys?

Spending time observing the elements of a landscape helps young artists to understand how to layout the composition on their own canvas. In art and photography, this is known as the “rule of thirds.” If you divide your canvas into thirds, either vertically or horizontally, the focal areas of your composition should line up at the meeting points of your imaginary grid. However, the rule of thirds is just a guideline, and your little artists may not want to be encumbered by rules when being creative.

Think about color

Finally, have your child think about color when they’re plein air painting. Do the colors they see match the colors of their paint (or should they mix them a little to see if they can get a color a little more true to life)? Let them observe what happens when you mix colors. Let them add more water to their watercolor paints and see what happens. Experimentation is key and so much fun for kids.

Plein ol’ fun!

Plein air painting is a great creative outlet for young artists that puts kids outdoors and in nature. It’s also a great way to expand upon school topics such as art history, geography, atmospheric sciences, horticulture, earth science, and more. Kids of all ages (and adults) can benefit from spending time in nature, being still and observant, and the creative act of painting outdoors.

Earn a patch for painting

We hope you are inspired to pack some paints and head outdoors with the kids. We are so passionate about plein air painting that my company, Wonder Club Explorers, has created a Plein Air Painter Merit Patch. This is just one of the 18 patches offered with the Wonder Club Explorers Adventure Kit. Every artist has a different perspective, and it’s so much fun to watch kids paint, create and express themselves. Wonder Club Explorers is an independent scouting program for kids without all the hassle of meetings and fundraising.

So, get out there, have fun and remember to tag us on social media using the hashtags #runwildmychild and #wonderclubexplorers on your next Plein air adventure!

About the author

Michelle spends her days working on projects to improve the quality of life for the citizens of her community and her nights reading books to her 6-year-old about every kind of dinosaur there ever was (there are 900 validated species, in case you’re wondering). Together with her son, Michelle created Wonder Club Explorers, a company to inspire wonder and curiosity in kids. She carves out time for herself on the weekends as an early morning exerciser and metalsmith of fine jewelry. Michelle is also the co-host of the Run Wild My Child podcast. She resides in Altadena with her husband and son amongst California Oak trees and a stone’s throw of the San Gabriel Mountains.

You can find Michelle online in the following locations:
Instagram: @wonderclubexplorers
Website: http://www.wonderclubexplorers.co
RWMC posts: Michelle Garrett
CRAFTS, SUMMER
Sun Print Paper Nature Art
- August 23, 2017
The great solar eclipse of 2017 has passed (it was really cool, wasn’t it?!), but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have some fun experimenting with the sun and its powers. If your kids had a chance to view the eclipse, hopefully, it sparked a curiosity in them about our solar system, the sun, and science. Making nature art using sun print paper is a great way to teach kids about the sun and shadows. It also encourages them to be observant of shapes, patterns, and sizes of leaves, plants and nature objects. Plus, you get some really gorgeous art prints out of it that would look so pretty framed or turned into wrapping paper or greeting cards. It’s a win/win/win!

Sun print paper

Sun print paper is relatively new to me, but has been around for a long time. Sunprinting, also called cyanotype or “blueprinting,” is the oldest non-silver photographic printing process. The paper is coated with light-sensitive chemicals, which react to light waves and particles when exposed to sunlight. When you place objects on the paper, they block the light (paper remains white), while the areas on the paper around them turn a beautiful Prussian blue (ferric ferrocyanide). Water stops the process and fixes your images on the paper.

You can get sun print paper at many local crafts stores, or order it online. The paper comes in a variety of sizes and can be purchased in a kit with an acrylic sheet included. I bought this kit (affiliate link) – Super Sunprint Kit – from Amazon for about $12, which contains 15 sheets of paper and a heavy acrylic sheet.

Nature items to use for sun print art

Part of the fun of making the sun prints with kids is collecting items from around our neighborhood to use. We chose all leaves this time, but there are so many items you can use, from everyday household things (paperclips, buttons) to all natural items. Here’s a fun list of nature-inspired objects that your kids could collect and use:
- flowers
- flower petals
- feathers
- algea
- moss
- clovers
- leaves
- shells
- starfish
- dead butterfly/moth
- seedpods
Step 1 – What you need
- sun print paper
- an acrylic sheet or frame of glass
- heavy cardboard base (or thick book)
- a sink/tub full of water
- fun and interesting nature objects to print
Step 2 – Arrange your objects

Because the blue molecules embedded in the sun print paper are sensitive to ultra-violet light, it’s best to arrange your objects on the paper in a dark room. Direct sunlight will expose the paper quickly, but even ambient light in the shade, or in a room with a big window will cause slow exposure of the paper. Turn out all the lights and draw the shades, before assembling.

Start with a hard cardboard base layer – we used a thick flat book. Then arrange your items in an interesting pattern on the sun print paper, blue-side up. Try to keep things from overlapping too much and carefully spread out individual leaves or flower petals. You can make shapes, make a landscape, combine patterns and objects or keep it simple. There’s no right or wrong way to set everything up, so let your kids play around with the items until they’re happy.

Step 3 – Place the acrylic sheet on top to flatten

When you’ve got everything arranged on the paper exactly how you want it, place a sheet of thick acrylic or glass on top to hold everything in place. My sun print paper kit came with a heavy sheet of acrylic, but you can also use a piece of glass from a picture frame. Using an acrylic pressing sheet will not only hold flat objects in place, but it also helps sharpen the edges between blue and white in your final print. The ambient sunlight outdoors will find its way underneath the edges of your objects if they are not pressed firmly to the paper, and you will get sun prints with blended contrasts.

Step 4 – Take your sun paper outside

Once you have everything set up (cardboard, sun print paper, nature items, acrylic sheet), then you’re ready for sunlight! Take everything outside and let the sun work it’s magic from 2-5 minutes, depending on the strength of the rays. The areas of the paper exposed to the sun will fade from blue to white. When you see most of the color disappear from the paper, your print has been fully exposed. If no direct sunlight is available, don’t worry–just expose your print a little longer and wait for the same fading effect. Under cloud cover, the process may take 5-20 minutes depending on the thickness of the clouds.

*What is happening in this step? Two crucial molecules in the paper are interacting, forming a new molecule. Their interaction is initiated by specific wavelengths of ultra-violet light. The new molecule is colorless so that as the blue molecules are converted, the white of the paper base begins to show through. Areas of the paper covered by your objects still contain the original blue molecule, so they remain blue.

Step 5 – Rinse your sun print in water

Once your exposed paper has turned almost white, remove the objects and rinse the paper in water to stop the chemical reaction. As the paper is submerged, watch the white turn into blue and the blue turn into white! To get the deepest blue that the paper can give, leave it in the water for 1-5 minutes.

*There are two exciting things happening to the paper while it is underwater. First, the original blue compound is water soluble, so that when you immerse it in the bath, the water carries it away, leaving only the white paper base in those areas. Second, the colorless compound whose formation was caused by the sun’s energy is not water soluble, so it cannot wash away in the water bath. It is sensitive to the water in another way. Just as the sun’s light stimulated a chemical change in the previous step, the water stimulates another chemical change in this one. The water causes an oxidation reaction that turns the colorless compound into the deep blue of a finished sun print.

Step 6 – Lay your sun print flat and allow it to dry

Once rinsed, lay your sun print paper out on something absorbent and allow it to dry. You can use a paper towel or a piece of cardboard. Putting it on something absorbent will help to avoid the formation of water spots by drawing the water away from the paper and keep the paper from curling on the edges. When you take your paper out of the water, the active chemical will not have finished oxidizing. The water remaining in the paper will do the job before it evaporates. By the time it is all gone you will have a beautiful, deep blue sun print!

Put your sun prints to use

Once your paper is dry, there are so many things you can do with it. Frame them and make a gallery of nature art. Fold the paper and turn them into greeting or thank you cards. Use the paper as wrapping paper for small gifts and items. Cover a box with the paper and use it to keep small treasures safe. The possibilities are endless!

Have you ever experimented with sun print paper?

*Information contained in this post found on http://www.sunprints.org/how-it-works